masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgSARASOTA, Fla. – Orioles closer Zach Britton said he’s going to throw live batting practice on Sunday and pitch in his first game Tuesday against the Rays at Ed Smith Stadium.
Britton kept the Orioles encouraged by yesterday’s bullpen session
“I feel good after yesterday, so I’m itching to get in a game,” Britton said. “Definitely feel like I’ve been ready the last few days to get in a game.
“It seems like it’s been a long spring training already and I haven’t gotten in any games….

SARASOTA, Fla. – Orioles closer Zach Britton said he’s going to throw live batting practice on Sunday and pitch in his first game Tuesday against the Rays at Ed Smith Stadium.

Britton kept the Orioles encouraged by yesterday’s bullpen session

“I feel good after yesterday, so I’m itching to get in a game,” Britton said. “Definitely feel like I’ve been ready the last few days to get in a game.

“It seems like it’s been a long spring training already and I haven’t gotten in any games. I’ve been watching all of them. At this point I want to get ready for the season and I feel like the sooner you get in the games, the faster spring goes. Kind of tired of being in the trainer’s room.”

zach-britton-white-point.jpgBritton is confident that he has plenty of time to get ready for opening day.

“I think last year I threw 10 innings or so,” he said, “so I think the way we’ve got it mapped out I’ll be right around eight or nine innings, including probably a two-inning minor league game.”

Shortstop J.J. Hardy will hit against Britton on Sunday as he nears his own Grapefruit League debut. Hardy is fielding ground balls and taking batting practice.

“That’ll be fun,” Britton said.

Meanwhile, Chris Davis is starting at first base today, as the Orioles host the Pirates live on MASN. He’s feeling better after his bout with bronchitis.

Mike Wright finally gets to face a new opponent. He’s made two starts against the Phillies and allowed two earned runs (three total) and four hits in five innings. The Orioles will try to get him into the fourth inning today.

For the Orioles
Chris Dickerson RF
Robert Andino 2B
Hyun Soo Kim LF
Mark Trumbo DH
Chris Davis 1B
Chris Johnson 3B
Logan Schafer CF
Caleb Joseph C
Paul Janish SS

Mike Wright RHP